We all love retinol for its anti-aging benefits, but there is a lot of misinformation out there about when and how to use retinol. For example, one common claim is that you shouldn’t use retinol in the summer because it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. To make sure you have the most accurate advice about how to use retinol safely, we asked board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger to share his recommendations for using retinol. So, let’s dig into some popular questions about retinol, including:

• Should I use retinol in the summer?

• How does retinol work?

• How do you use retinol?

• What sunscreen should you use with retinol?

• What are the best retinol products?

Should I use retinol in the summer?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually good for your skin to start using retinol in the summer, especially if your skin tends to feel drier in the winter. “The summer humidity leaves your skin naturally more moisturized during the warmer months,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “Because of this additional hydration, you may actually see less of the dryness and flaking that often accompanies retinol use.”

How does retinol work?

There is one part of the summer retinol myth that’s actually true: Retinol does make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. This photosensitivity comes from the way retinol works to help improve signs of aging. Retinol is designed to boost cell turnover, therefore eliminating dull skin cells and making way for healthy new ones. But left unprotected, these new skin cells can easily burn. Therefore, a broad-spectrum daily sunscreen is a must, even if you’re spending the day inside.

How to use retinol

We recommend applying retinol at night, after you’ve cleansed and towel-dried your skin. If you’re new to retinol, start with a lower strength. Apply a pea-size amount every two or three nights, then slowly work your way up to every night.

Retinol and sunscreen: The perfect pair

The key to safely using retinol in the summer is sunscreen—and lots of it. Dr. Schlessinger recommends applying sunscreen every day and reapplying often to avoid sunburn when retinol is part of your skin care routine. To keep your skin healthy while using retinol, follow these sun safety tips:

• Apply one ounce of sunscreen—that’s about enough to fill a shot glass—to your face and body. Don’t forget your ears, neck and the backs of your hands!

• Reapply your sunscreen every two hours.

• If you feel like your skin needs more SPF, reapply early. There’s no such thing as too much sun protection.

• Seek shade whenever possible, and cover up with a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and pants for even more protection.

• Avoid peak sunlight between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Enhance sunscreen protection with daily vitamins, such as HELIOCARE Antioxidant Supplements. “This is a dietary supplement that gradually builds up your body’s natural defense against damaging UV rays,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Because retinol makes the skin so much more photosensitive, I recommend HELIOCARE Ultra for my patients using retinol.”

Need help finding the right sunscreen? Here are some of our favorite face sunscreens that you’ll love to wear.

The best retinol for your skin type

Are you ready to give retinol a try this summer? Here are four dermatologist-recommended retinol treatments that work best for various skin types, from mature skin to sensitive skin.

Best retinol for normal skin: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5

This serum works to improve cell turnover, smooth the look of wrinkles and help fade away dark spots with 0.5% retinol. This formula also contains antioxidants that help protect your skin against environmental damage, while soothing ingredients help calm inflammation and irritation. It’s also available in a higher strength of 1% retinol.

Best retinol for dry, mature skin: Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 0.5

By adding five antioxidants to a concentration of 0.5% retinol, this formula improves the appearance of fine lines in as little as twelve weeks. Since this face effective yet gentle face treatment utilizes time-released retinol, dry and mature skin types benefit without having to worry about significant irritation. In addition to providing increased cell turnover like any great retinol product should, this formula also instills skin with lightweight hydration to prevent dryness.

Best retinol for combination, oily and acne-prone skin: PCA SKIN Intensive Clarity Treatment

Powered by 0.5% pure retinol, this PCA Skin face serum is specially formulated for blemish-prone skin. It helps clear breakouts and stimulate cell turnover for a healthier complexion, and will also help lighten pigmentation due to sun exposure, acne inflammation and other stressors.

Best retinol for sensitive skin Avene RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum.

This treatment helps users minimize signs of aging with bakuchiol, a gentle, plant-derived retinol alternative that is gentler on the complexion but produces similar results. Best of all, Avene's signature Thermal Spring Water helps soothe, calm and soften skin to minimize any irritation.

Are you curious to learn more about face serums? Learn how to choose the best face serum for you and more via the LovelySkin Blog.